After two housebound staycations, I had promised Little C that as soon as lockdown ended, we’d head to the Northumberland coast for an adventure. While some castles were closed and other places were booked up online, it wasn’t easy to find somewhere that would live up to Cyrus’s expectations.
Lovely Day Out
We had initially visited Dunstanburgh Castle, a 40-minute drive from our home in Newcastle. While it was a lovely day out for me, Cyrus was not as impressed. After his 1.5 mile walk through in his words ‘a lot of sheep poo’, he found a ‘broken’ castle and not a fairytale one.
Chillingham Castle is off the beaten track and we had to cross a little ford flowing with water to get there. Of course, there were squeals of excitement from little C as we did. Mummy meanwhile was more worried about what baba (daddy) would say if the car got stuck halfway across it.
The Haunting
It’s not the kind of route along narrow winding country lanes I’d like to take in the dark – particularly since the castle is one of Britain’s most haunted historic places. Chillingham is a real-life historic castle that is occupied by Sir Humphrey Wakefield and his family.
On arrival, you head along a tree-lined driveway and you’d be mistaken for thinking it’s a fortress with its backdrop. Immerse yourself in history The 12th Century stronghold became a castle in 1344 and it has remained in the same family ever since. Battled over and besieged, it is full of intrigue.
The fact that it has remained largely unchanged adds to its character. Every nook, cranny and spiral staircase has a story to tell. You can immerse yourself in the past as soon as you walk through the gates and better still – there are no queues!
Sir Humphrey has also reduced the admission price for visitors because part of the castle is out of bounds. This is a nice touch for families like ours trying to cut costs during a difficult period. Friendly staff We only had to pay £8 for one adult ticket as Cyrus went free and the guy in the ticket office / gift shop couldn’t have been more helpful.
I hadn’t been to Chillingham for around 15 years, so he was happy to explain the best route around the castle and places of interest along the way. The friendly and courteous staff, as well as the castle’s owners are more than willing to go the extra mile to help you out with anything you need at Chillingham.
Stay overnight
It’s easy to spend a full day touring the castle and its grounds and unlike Dunstanburgh, there’s no ‘rigid’ one-way system in place. Visitors are free to walk around the site, so long as they maintain social distancing. You can even stay overnight at the castle again in one of the apartments, which we must do one day.
The castle certainly kept Cyrus absorbed for some time before I let him loose in the beautiful grounds. The manicured gardens are simply stunning and act as the perfect maze for under-fives. The castle is by no means polished like some of Northumberland’s other historic establishments.
It’s old, dusty, a bit shabby in places, but that gives it its character and what an old castle should be like. It’s not Disney! Use your imagination It’s easy for little ones to imagine firing their bows and arrows out of the narrow slit windows, while older kids may have the stomach for the castle’s torture chamber and dungeon. Little C was not put off going inside, however he didn’t stay there for long! We even found a really old Persian rug which fascinated H.
We were advised that it can be quite frightening for young children and the steps in the dungeon are a little uneven, so you do need to take care.
The beauty of Chillingham Castle is that it has survived through the ages and it has plenty of hidden treasures from times gone by to share with visitors. There are some funny little touches – watch out for the crystal skull behind bars, Easter Island figurines and pictures with eyes that feel like they follow you around a room.
We really loved our visit and will be back soon, hopefully next time with daddy in tow too. If you’re looking for other ways to entertain the kids, why not check out The Discovery Museum in Newcastle.
Top Tips for Visiting Chillingham Castle with a Toddler
Comfortable Footwear
Ensure both you and your toddler wear comfortable and sturdy footwear. Chillingham Castle’s grounds may have uneven terrain, and comfortable shoes will make it easier for both of you to explore.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Check the weather forecast before your visit and dress accordingly. The Northumberland coast can be breezy, so bringing layers is a good idea. Don’t forget a hat for your toddler to protect them from the sun.
Snacks And Hydration
Pack some snacks and a water bottle for your toddler. Exploring the castle and its grounds can be tiring, and having refreshments on hand will keep your little one energised.
Explore At Their Pace
Toddlers love to explore at their own pace. Allow your child to wander and discover things on their own. Chillingham Castle’s open layout allows for this, making it a great place for your toddler to have a sense of independence.
Bring A Buggy
Depending on your toddler’s preferences and stamina, consider bringing a buggy. This way, they can rest when needed, and you won’t have to carry them for an extended period.
Engage Their Imagination
Encourage your toddler’s imagination by talking about the history of the castle, the knights that may have lived there, or the mysterious corners to explore. This can make the visit more exciting for them.
Check For Child-Friendly Events
Before your visit, check if there are any child-friendly events or activities happening at Chillingham Castle. Some days may have special programs or entertainment suitable for toddlers.
Visit The Gardens
The manicured gardens at Chillingham Castle are a perfect space for toddlers to roam. Allow them to enjoy the open space, and perhaps bring a blanket for a little picnic.
Remember, every toddler is different, so adapt these tips based on your child’s preferences and needs. Enjoy your visit to Chillingham Castle! For more of our adventures, check out this post here on our visit to LEGOLAND Windsor.
Saffron and Cyrus is a Newcastle-based family lifestyle blog, covering health, wellness, days out, travel, reviews, recipes and more from our family life.
The blog is written by new mum over 40, Aranda, with input from hubby H and son, Little C.
